The term "conflict resolution" refers to a range of processes aimed at alleviating or eliminating sources of conflict. The term "conflict resolution" is sometimes used interchangeably with the term dispute resolution or alternative dispute resolution. Processes of conflict resolution generally include negotiation, mediation and diplomacy. The processes of arbitration, litigation, and formal complaint processes such as ombudsman processes, are usually described with the term dispute resolution, although some refer to them as "conflict resolution." Processes of mediation and arbitration are often referred to as alternative dispute resolution.

Definitional controversy

There is considerable controversy about definitions and terminology in the field of conflict resolution. This may be partly because the field is multidisciplinary. Academics and practitioners are found within diverse disciplines including political science, international relations, law, psychology, public administration, anthropology, business, education, sociology, philosophy, health care and other fields of study or practice. Internationally, a growing number of undergraduate and graduate programs are emerging in "conflict resolution," "conflict management," "dispute resolution," "alternative dispute resolution," "conflict transformation," and "peace and conflict studies". In addition, many disciplines now incorporate courses in negotiation, mediation or conflict management. In most jurisdictions, no specific credentials are legally required by conflict resolution practitioners, many of whom have no specific academic qualifications.

Many of the definitional concerns spring from diverse definitions of the terms "conflict" and "dispute" and "resolution." The term "conflict" has been defined as "intense interpersonal and/or intrapersonal dissonance (tension or antagonism) between two or more parties based on incompatible goals, needs, desires, values, beliefs, and/or attitudes." "Disputes" have been defined as conflicts that have become particularized around a specific issue or issues. . Some conflicts may not become manifest as articulated disputes. Thus, "conflict resolution" tends to refer to processes that address the sources of conflict so as to prevent them from escalating or eliminate the conflict altogether. The term "dispute resolution" refers to settlement of disputes and complaints, which may or may not address or eliminate the sources of the conflict.

Similar definition controversies have emerged over the term "resolution." Some scholars and practitioners have pointed out that many disputes (and conflicts) cannot be resolved in that the sources of the conflicts cannot be eliminated. Thus, the term "conflict management" has emerged to convey the idea that even if resolution is impossible, conflicts and disputes can be managed constructively.